Clark County Clipper, May 31, 1928
MOTHER AND CHILD BURNED TO DEATH
(Mrs. Donald Cothran and Child)
Mrs. Donald Cothran and small child were burned to death at their home on Clay
ranch near Meade last Friday morning. The fire was caused by the explosion of a
can of gasoline. The gasoline was thrown on the clothing of Mrs. Cothran and
she was so badly burned that she died a few hours afterward. Her small child
was in the room with her. She attempted to save it but failed and managed to
stumble out of the house before she was fully overcome by the flames.
John Harold Clay, the 9 year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Emery Clay was the hero of
this disaster. Seeing the mother stumble out of the house he realized the
danger of the child and ran in the house and brought the child out, and while it
was too late the child dying a few hours later from the effects of the flames,
he did save the child's body from being entirely destroyed in the fire. He also
saved his father's desk which contained valuable papers. The boy is entitled to
recognition for his bravery and we understand that Meade people will recommend
that he be given a Carnegie medal for this act. The two story house and all its
contents, except the few removed by John Harold, were entirely destroyed in the
fire. Emery Clay resides there and Mr. and Mrs. Cothran were employed by him.
Contributed by ~Shirley Brier~ October 31, 2005.
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